Foreign Ministry coordinates evacuation efforts amid Middle East tensions

Amid the rising tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday announced that coordinated efforts are underway to safeguard and evacuate Sri Lankans in affected Middle Eastern countries. 

In a statement issued, the Ministry shared the latest updates on the situation and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

Status in Iran

As reported by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tehran, the total number of Sri Lankans currently accounted for in Iran is 41, including nine who have already departed the country. A total of three Sri Lankans, including two students, are in the process of departing on 24 June from Mashhad Airport to New Delhi, India. 

The Consul General, Dubai, has been informed by the Indian Deputy Head of Mission that the three Sri Lankan citizens were successfully evacuated yesterday morning via scheduled flights. Another two Sri Lankans, a student and an Embassy officer, are scheduled to depart via the Türkiye border yesterday, while three Sri Lankans are expected to depart under company-arranged travel in the coming days.

Status in Israel

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara, 219 Sri Lankans who travelled to Sri Lanka for holidays are scheduled to return to Israel. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the re-entry visa period for foreigners who were unable to return to Israel as scheduled due to the Iran-Israel conflict. These visas will now be valid till 31 July 2025.

A total of 17 Sri Lankans have registered to travel on the flight operated by the Indian Government, scheduled to depart from Amman Airport in Jordan to New Delhi, India today (25 June), while 20 individuals have registered with the Embassy to travel to Sri Lanka via Egypt in the coming days. So far, five have already arrived in Sri Lanka.

Status in Egypt

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Sisira Senavirathne, three Sri Lankans arrived in Egypt through the TABA border crossing on 23 June, and they will be departing for Sri Lanka on 24 June from Cairo.

Approval for another three individuals has also been received, and they can cross the border anytime now. 

A list of 17 Sri Lankans, which the Embassy received on Monday, has been referred for approval, and possibly will be cleared soon.

Status in Jordan

As reported by the Sri Lankan Ambassador Priyangika Wijegunasekara, Jordanian airspace experienced two brief closures on 23 June 2025 due to increased airfield activity.

Sri Lankans intending to travel via Jordan have not yet obtained transit visas. In some cases, flights may land at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport in Egypt. If so, Egyptian visas will be required. Exit fees from Jordan will be paid by the individuals.

According to the Indian Embassy in Jordan, they have not yet received instructions from Indian authorities to board foreign nationals, including Sri Lankans, on the Indian-operated flights scheduled for tomorrow. 

Status in Türkiye

As reported by Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lankan Embassy Nilusha Dilmini, one Sri Lankan national, a student, arrived in New Delhi on Monday. Although arrangements had been made for her onward journey to Colombo from Delhi Monday evening, she could not board that flight due to the flight from Iran being delayed. Arrangements were therefore made for her to fly to Colombo, which departed Delhi yesterday, and she has reached Sri Lanka safely. 

The Mission staff met her on arrival and was in touch with her throughout and assisted her at every step, from her arrival in Delhi, stay, and departure from Delhi. The Mission was also in contact with her mother in Sri Lanka.

All the relevant Divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, i.e. the IOR – Indian Ocean Region Division; PAI – Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran Division; and the Protocol Division, extended their fullest support to the High Commission in handling the arrival, transit and departure of the student. She was provided a Temporary Landing Pass on a gratis basis. Arrangements were also made for her to stay in the departure lounge, and food/ refreshments were provided to her free-of-charge. 

The GMR (Airport Management) in India also extended their fullest support in this regard. The Sri Lankan Airlines officials in Delhi also provided their fullest support, including escorting the passenger to the flight this morning to ensure that she does not face any hassle.

Status in Qatar

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Sithara Khan, the Mission in Doha is in constant contact with the Qatar Foreign Ministry and other Missions in Doha. An update from the Foreign Minister is anticipated. The Mission has kept the Sri Lankan citizens informed through the Mission website and Facebook. An emergency email address has also been provided along with telephone numbers. 

The Government of Sri Lanka, together with its overseas diplomatic missions, has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety and repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals, after the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, expanding to Qatar yesterday.